Sustiva

What is it?

An anti-retroviral and non- nucleoside, reverse transcriptase inhibitor available as capsules in 3 strengths, all containing efavirenz. White/yellow contain 50mg; white, contain 100mg; yellow, contain 200mg. All are marked with strength and name.

Medical Uses

Hiv-1 infections, along with other anti-retroviral drugs.

Dosage

Aged over 17 years or weighing more than 40kg, 600mg once each day. Children aged 3 years and over, weighing 13 to 15kg, 200mg; weighing 15 to 20kg, 250mg; weighing 20 to 25kg, 300mg; weighing 25 to 32.5kg 350mg; weighing 32.5 to 40kg, 400mg. All doses once each day.

Special Care

Previous fits, substance abuse, history of mental disorders, mild to moderate liver disorders, patients with hepatitis B or C should have liver enzymes monitored - drug may need to be stopped if transaminases rises to 5x normal. Patients with severe kidney disorders should be closely monitored.

Avoid Use

Children aged under 3 years or weighing less than 13kg, pregnancy, breastfeeding, severe liver disease.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Substrates or inducers of CYP3A4, astemizole, clarithromycin, terfenadine, phenytoin, cisapride, phenobarbitone, rifampicin, triazolam, saquinavir, oral contraceptives, St John's Wort, grapefruit juice.

Known Side Effects

Gastrointestinal upset, rise in liver enzymes, insomnia, psychotic reactions, headache, lowered concentration, fatigue, dizziness, CNS reactions, skin rash. If skin rash is very severe, drug should be stopped. All adverse side effects should be reported to the Committee on the Safety of Medicines (CSM).

Manufacturer

BMS.